Private Lands Engineer - IRIS; Kentucky

Private Lands Engineer – IRIS (Kentucky)

Posting Number: S15443P

Department: ENGR-Resilient Infrast Systems

Location: Outside Georgia (London, Kentucky)

Employment Type: Full Time, 40 hours per week

Salary: $80,000–$90,000 based on experience/credentials

Posting Date: 07/14/2026

Start Date: 09/01/2026

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

The University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking a Private Lands Engineer (Water Resources) to support the implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatics Connectivity Framework in Kentucky. The role serves as the key implementation lead and primary point of contact for the Regional WLFW Southern Waters Framework in Kentucky, managing multi‑agency workshops, coordinating regional activities, and providing engineering expertise to NRCS state leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Kentucky or sufficient experience and education to obtain licensure

• Stream Restoration Certification, equivalent to Wildland Hydrology Level III or higher
• Experience with leading the development and application of hydrologic and hydraulic computer models using HEC‑RAS, HEC‑HMS, and SWMM
• Experience with River morph software
• Experience taking lead/ownership of project permitting
• Proficient knowledge of aquatic ecology and the ability to integrate engineering principles with an understanding of aquatic resources as a whole
• Skilled leadership in large multi‑faced projects

• Standard office environment
• Regional travel to project sites
• Travel within the region
• Outdoor work in variable terrain and weather conditions
• Moderate hiking in all seasons and weather conditions
• Occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate private landowners as needed

• Lead the design of conservation engineering projects on private lands in coordination with NRCS field offices, overseeing engineering analyses, developing design plans and specifications, and producing construction‑ready documents using Auto Desk Civil 3D, HEC‑RAS, and related software
• Design projects may include stream bank stabilization, erosion control, livestock and vehicular stream crossings, culvert replacement for aquatic organism passage, and dam removal
• Integrate engineering designs into NRCS conservation planning processes, coordinating with planners, biologists, and landowners to evaluate alternatives and ensure compliance with NRCS standards, specifications, and job approval authority requirements

• Lead and conduct fieldwork, including topographic and channel surveys using Total Station or similar equipment, collecting site data (channel geometry, flow characteristics, substrate conditions), and documenting existing conditions for design development
• Provide high‑level coordination of project design, implementation, and evaluation, while overseeing and maintaining field responsibilities requiring frequent travel and direct interaction with landowners and NRCS staff

• Oversee and lead project implementation, providing technical oversight during construction (layout and staking, troubleshooting field conditions, and verifying practices are installed per design intent and NRCS requirements)
• Act as the regional lead with project stakeholders, contractors, and NRCS staff to ensure successful project delivery and completion of construction deliverables

• Oversee technical expertise and coordination support to NRCS staff, interdisciplinary team members, and project partners, contributing engineering expertise to conservation planning discussions and leading practice selection and feasibility evaluations
• Collaborate with NRCS personnel and partners to ensure alignment with program priorities, compliance with project tracking and documentation, and overall program delivery across priority watersheds

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status.

Recruitment Contact Name:
Virginia Bacon‑Talati

Recruitment Contact Email: VBTalati